A weekly update about upcoming concerts and notes on the local scene.
Hittin' the clubs: kids' edition
Children's entertainer and musician David Landau is presenting the annual "Kids' Day at the High Noon" for a fifth year on Saturday, Jan. 23. Landau explains what takes place: "My performances are a blend of music and humor for kids ages 2 to 8. I sing and play guitar, but what I love most of all is to make kids laugh. The kids are kept very busy throughout the entire 45-minute performance with dancing, singing, acting, moving, pretending and of course laughing. The adults just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of children having a good time."
Those who have attended in past years can expect a return of the Crazy Carrots -- "odd shaped, organic carrots from Tipi Produce that kids can peel and snack on," says Landau -- plus Mr. Milk, the treasure chest box, the bear and the crab.
The concept for a kids' show at a bigger venue was tried at the Orpheum and went well, but renting lights and sound ended up being cost-prohibitive, says Landau. "My wife Wendy suggested the High Noon Saloon and we laughed for a long time. Who in their right mind would put on a show for kids in a saloon? We talked to Cathy at the High Noon and she thought it sounded like a great idea. They have a built-in sound system and lights, and they normally are not [hosting shows] on Saturday afternoons so we didn't have to worry about annoying any of their regular customers. They even had carpet squares for the kids to sit on up front near the stage."
There will be two performances, beginning at noon and 2 p.m., and root beer is half price for any kids wearing cowboy boots. Landau is also currently performing a free kids' show at 5:30 p.m. Mondays at Talula, and is a member of Cork 'n Bottle String Band.
Music news
Planning is underway for the 17th season of Jazz at Five, the outdoor concert series on the 100 block of State Street. The nonprofit organization invites submissions from performers interested in playing during 2010; requirements for an application include a press kit with complete contact information, group members/biography and web site information, along with a current CD. The kit should be mailed to 5520 Noble Dr., Suite 150, Fitchburg, WI 53711, by the deadline of Feb. 15. This year's concert series will take place on Wednesdays from August 11 until September 8. Acting director Cathy Sullivan says there will once again be a fundraiser raffle this year, with details to be announced in the future.
On sale
Last week concert promoters True Endeavors calendar.
Local label news
The news page has been mostly quiet over at Crustacean's web site as the team adjusts to co-owner Jake Shut's move to Minneapolis this past summer. Since then the label has released the latest Mad Trucker Gone Mad disc (in October) and also brought back into availability the first two releases by Eau Claire's Drunk Drivers in December. Included (one one CD) is the previously cassette-only EP 4 Times the Malt and their first full-length, Balls, Sweat and Beers, both essentials for fans of Midwest hard rock.
